Green Tea what are the health benefits?
Updated: Jan 9, 2022
Green Tea is renowned for numerous benefits and championed to be one of the healthiest drink on the planet. However, what specific Health Benefits are we talking about? And is there any scientific evidence to back this up?
Tea is rich in Polyphenols antioxidants and Catechins (EGCD) which are powerful natural compounds that have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation preventing cell damage and helping to fight cancer. EGCG is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. Research has tested its ability to help treat various diseases. It appears to be one of the main compounds that gives green tea its medicinal properties.
Antioxidants found in tea have been used for years to treat ailments and disease. Some evidence shows that these antioxidants can be beneficial in lowering the risk for some cancers. To get the most health benefits, avoid adding milk to your tea. Some studies suggest it can reduce the antioxidant value in some teas
Breast cancer. A comprehensive review on PubMed Central a highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health of Observational Studies found that women who drank the most green tea had an approximately 20–30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women.
Prostate cancer. One study observed that men drinking green tea had a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer (Green Tea Consumption and Prostate Cancer Risk in Japanese Men: A Prospective Study JPHC Study Group published 2007 American Journal of Epidemiology).
Colorectal cancer. A comprehensive review on PubMed Central a highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health of observational studies completed an analysis of 29 studies which showed that those drinking green tea were around 42% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are common neurodegenerative brain diseases that affect millions of adults in the world today. Several studies including the National Institute on Aging show that the catechin compounds in green tea can possibly lower the risk of dementia.
Improved brain function due to the natural presence of caffeine and L-theanine, which helps with anxiety. Research has consistently shown that caffeine combined with L-theanine can improve various aspects of brain function, including mood, vigilance, reaction time, and memory. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee. Many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green tea, compared with coffee.
Green tea can increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate several studies including the Wiley peer reviewed journal showed that green tea may help reduce body fat, especially in the abdominal area. In one study involving 10 healthy men, taking green tea extract increased the number of calories burned by 4%. In another involving 12 healthy men, green tea extract increased fat oxidation by 17%, compared with those taking a placebo.
Given that some compounds in green tea may help protect against cancer, heart disease and diabetes, it makes sense that it could help you live longer.
In one study, researchers studied 40,530 Japanese adults over 11 years. Those who drank the most green tea — 5 or more cups per day — were significantly less likely to die during the study period (PubMed Central).
Death of all causes: 23% lower in women, 12% lower in men
Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women, 22% lower in men meaning people who drink green tea have up to a 31% lower risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease.(Journal of Nutrition).
Death from stroke: 42% lower in women, 35% lower in men
Another study involving 14,001 older Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6-year study period.
Well to summarize evidence suggests that Green Tea may help you feel better, lose weight, and lower your risk of chronic diseases. So the bottom line is that green tea can have a very positive impact on many areas of your diet, health and life expectancy. So the big question you should really be asking yourself is:
"Why is Green Tea not part of my life"?
Credits
Menshealth.com - The Truth About Green Tea and Weight Loss
Exactly what it can and can't do when it comes to dropping pounds.
BY MARTY MUNSON
JAN 19, 2021
https://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/a27534921/green-tea-for-weight-loss/
Healthline.com - 10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Green Tea
Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc — Medically reviewed by Atli Arnarson BSc, PhD — Updated on April 6, 2020